Q:What equipment does my child need, especially if we're new to the league or participating in Pre-Tee Ball?

A: Pre-Tee Ball (age 3-4) is strictly instructional. Your child will need a glove and a batting helmet. Some pre-tee ball players wear cleats and others wear sneakers. Some players have their own bat. Northwest supplies a game shirt and a hat. The manager of your team will contact you once the teams are formed to let you know what color game pants to buy and your practice schedule. At the higher levels, all players are required to have a glove, helmet, and cleats. At the higher levels, most players have their own bat.

Q: What is Northwest Youth Baseball & Softball?
A: In 1972, a group of dedicated individuals with a common interest in the love of baseball created a youth baseball league we now call Northwest Youth Baseball & Softball. The league started modestly, with fewer than a dozen teams. Today, Northwest Youth Baseball & Softball serves over 600 children ages 3-18 with Spring and Fall leagues.

Q: What is the NWYB & SB conduct policy?
A: It is the policy of Northwest Youth Baseball & Softball to promote the development of a strong character, positive attitude, sense of responsibility, and good citizenship in its youngsters. It is the purpose of NWYB & SB to achieve this goal through fair play, good sportsmanship, and congenial fellowship. The adult leaders of NWYB & SB shall strive to serve as role models and examples, promote the aspirational goals of NWYB & SB, and promote safety. It is strictly against the policy of NWYB & SB for any person, either as a participant or a spectator, to engage in arguments, use abusive language, harass umpires, managers, coaches, players, Board Members, or other spectators, or to exhibit any behavior not in concert with the general intention of this policy statement.

Q: What is the NWYB & SB sportsmanship policy?
A: It is the policy of NWYB & SB that members of one team shall not ride, kid, heckle, poke fun at, or in any other manner do anything that in the opinion of the umpire or Field Director distracts players of the opposing team. The penalty for violation of this rule shall be removal of the guilty players and/or coach or manager from the game.

Q: What is the “Board of Directors”?
A: NWYB & SB is governed by a group of volunteers elected by the parents and guardians of players at NWYB & SB. The Executive Board consists of a President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Treasurer. The full Board of Directors consists of the Executive Board and eleven elected Directors. You are encouraged to speak with any member of the Board if you have questions, comments, or suggestions.

Q: What leagues are offered by NWYB & SB?
A: NWYB & SB offers baseball leagues for ages 3-15, and competitive fastpitch softball for girls ages 7-16. Please visit our Baseball, Softball, and Advanced Baseball tabs on the home page for a detailed list of divisions offered by NWYB & SB. Age to determine what division the player is eligible for is calculated using “League Age” guidelines (see league age FAQ below, our Leagie Age Chart, and the Downloadable Forms tab on the home page). Competitive leagues are for players with advanced skills, and the non-competitive leagues are for instructional purposes. Rules for competitive and non-competitive leagues are based on Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth, with modifications for the instructional leagues.

Q: What is “League Age?”

A. League age is different for Baseball and Softball. For Softball, league age is the age the player has attained prior to Jan 1 of the playing season. Example: a player who is ten years old at the beginning of the season but will turn eleven on or before Dec 31 shall be classified as League Age eleven. For Baseball, league age is determined by the age of the player before May 1 of that year. For example, if a player turns seven years old on June 1, that player is still league age six for the Spring season, but would be league age seven in for the Fall season that starts in September. Click here for the Cal Ripken league age chart. League age can be very confusing, so please contact a Board member if you have any questions.

Players may not “play up” (participate) in competitive leagues higher than their league age level, regardless of their skill level. Under extenuating circumstances, a player may be granted permission to “play up” in a noncompetitive division if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, it is in the best interest of the child.

Q: Who needs to attend Try-outs?
A: In order to be eligible to be included in the player draft a player must participate in at least one complete scheduled try-out. Before being allowed to participate in a try-out, the player must have a paid registration on file. Pre-tee ball and Tee Ball divisions do not need to attend a tryout.

Q: Who is eligible for the All-Star teams?
A: Players who have participated in at least 60% of the regularly scheduled franchise games are eligible for the All-Star Team.

Q: Does the league supply a uniform?
A: NWYB & SB provides a team shirt and hat. Players must supply their own pants, socks, helmet, cleats, bat, and glove.

Q: How many games will my child play per week during the season?
A: Two, except for Pre-Tee, who will have one OR two games per week depending on the size of the league.

Q: When will we hear from the manager regarding practice, etc?
A: After the drafts are complete your manager will contact you.

Q: Will my child have practices?
A. Your child’s manager will establish a practice routine. Your child’s attendance at practice is essential to improvement. As parent or guardian, your attendance at practice is also necessary, as you may be needed if a problem arises or an injury occurs.

Q: When does the Spring Season begin?
A: Opening Day is the last Saturday in February or the first Saturday in March.

Q: Is there a Fall Season?
A: Yes. The Fall Season runs September through November, and is instructional rather than competitive.

Q: What happens if my child is injured?
A: Our insurance policy covers injuries for all organized, approved NWYB & SB activities. There is a $100.00 deductible, and this insurance is secondary to your own insurance coverage.

Q: Do I have to work the concession stand?
A: The concession stand is a very important part of Northwest Baseball. It not only quenches our thirst and satisfies our hunger, it helps pay the many bills. At this time, we do not require parents to work in concession, but volunteers are always needed.

Q: Do I need to participate in any fund raisers?
A: We strongly encourage you to participate in all league fundraisers, but we currently do not require our members to participate in fundraisers. All Star teams have the option of conducting fundraisers to offset the cost of travel.

Q: Is parking allowed on the grass at the park?
A: NO. City Ordinance #12-18 makes it illegal to park on the grass. Violators may be ticketed.

Q: Where can I make an emergency phone call?
A: At the concession stand.

Q: Where do we register?
A: Online or at specified times in the Board Room at Northwest Park.

Q: What is the NWYB & SB pledge?

A. All managers, coaches, and parents are asked to sign the following pledge:

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child/player participating in youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics.

I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice, or other youth sports event.

I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child/player ahead of my personal desire to win.

I will insist that my child/player play in a safe and healthy environment.

I will remember that the game is for youth – not adults.

I will assist my child/player in enjoying the youth sports experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, assisting with coaching, or providing transportation.

I have read and will abide by all the conditions set forth in the Northwest Conduct and Sportsmanship policies. I understand that if I violate these pledges I could be removed from Northwest Fields by Northwest Supervisors.